Usyk won in a split points decision after the pair went the 12 rounds – 113 to 115, 115 to 113 and 116 to 112. Up until around March, Usyk was fighting on the front lines in Kyiv, but left the war-torn country to focus on his rematch with Joshua. Read more: Who is Oleksandr Usyk? After the judges’ decision was announced, Joshua threw two of the title belts to the side of the ropes before exiting the ring. However, he returned and grabbed the microphone, telling King Abdullah Sports City: “If you knew my story, you would understand the passion. “I haven’t been an amateur boxer since I was five years old who was an elite youth prospect. I went to jail, got bail and started training my edge, I wanted to be able to fight. “This guy beat me tonight, maybe I could have done better, but it shows the level of hard work I put in, so please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world.” The couple also briefly posed with the Ukrainian flag in a show of solidarity despite Russia’s ongoing offensive in the country. Image: Photo: AP “If I don’t fight Tyson Fury, I won’t fight at all” After his win, Usyk paid tribute to the Ukrainian military and says he is only interested in fighting WBC champion Tyson Fury next. Usyk said: “I did this victory for my country, for all the people, the soldiers who defend the country. Thank you very much. He added: “I’m sure Tyson Fury hasn’t retired yet. I’m sure, I’m sure he wants to fight me. I want to fight him and if I don’t fight Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated his compatriot immediately after the match, tweeting: “Tough, but so important and necessary WIN! “Defending the title of the world champion is a symbol that all who are Cossacks will not abandon their own, will fight for him and will definitely win!” The rematch in Saudi Arabia follows their fight last year in London, where Usyk won the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts from the British boxer. Their match in Jeddah was a different story though, with Joshua putting in a much better performance against the Ukrainian compared to last year, landing strikes and occasionally unloading on Usyk. But it was Usyk who came out on top, throwing more punches at his opponent, with a higher work rate than AJ. It is not the first time this year that the UK has come second to Ukraine at a global event – with the country’s Kalush Orchestra winning the Eurovision Song Contest over Britain’s Sam Ryder, who came second in the public vote – than the top. with the national juries.
